For Your Information

Welcome to the world of cosmetology!  You are at the threshold of opportunity.  With a little help from our school, Professional’s Choice, and lots of energy, enthusiasm and hard work on your part, the possibilities are limitless!

As you either prepare to enter our school for your training or are still undecided, we would like to take a moment to supply you with some informative information on the career that you are pursuing.

Professional’s Choice does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, or ethnic origin in admitting students to our school.

Professional’s Choice does not recruit students that are already attending another school or admitted to another school that offers the same program that we do.

If you are a transfer student we don’t except more than 100 hours and you will need an official transcript from the school that you are transferring from.  For more information you can look in our school catalog.

Career Opportunities

Within the cosmetology field, you will find several directions that you may wish to take upon achieving your license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations.
Here are just a few:

• Professional Stylist
• Skin Care Specialist
• Make-up Technician
• Nail Technician
• Platform Artist
• Product Representative
• Salon Owner/Manager
• State Board Member
• Image Consultant
• Instructor

Compensation

• Due to the nature of our industry, the amount of pay one receives is based and affected by several factors.
• Geographic Area
• Population & Income of Clients in your business area.
• Type of salon.
• Type of pay scale offered by the salon.
• Most Important You!

Your desire to make money must also be accompanied by the desire to put the necessary time in needed to achieve your goals.  As with any professional it takes time to climb the ladder of success.  A successful graduate might receive between $15.00 and $18.00 per hour including tips.  All of these factors will be discussed during the salon management portion of your training at Professional’s Choice.

Physical Demands

Professional’s Choice feels that students interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology should consider all aspects of such a decision. 

• Persons who want to become cosmetologists must:
• Have finger dexterity and a sense of form and artistry.
• Enjoy dealing with the public and be able to follow client’s directions.
• Keep abreast of the latest fashions and beauty techniques.
  (Remember, learning does not stop once you leave our facility, it is just the beginning.)
• You will work long hours while building your clientele in order to make the desired income that you are looking for.
• Make a strong commitment to the educational process and finish school!

You should be aware of the following things:

• The profession can be physically demanding because of the long hours attending with your arms, shoulders and hands at shoulder level and sitting over a manicure table.
• There will be exposure to various chemicals and fumes which may lead to allergic reactions.
• The practice of safety and sanitation is essential for everyone.  All students participate in a nightly sanitation before leaving for the day.

Employment Assistance

While Professional’s Choice cannot guarantee employment for graduates, assistance in finding suitable employment is provided by posting job openings on our job bulletin board.  We also have salon day which is where salons that have employed our students or who are interested in employing our students come in and give a presentation on their salons and answer questions.  These days and times vary throughout the year.

Licensing Requirements

Upon completion of our program, your final step is to take a state board examination.  Currently the test is 100 questions multiple choice.  A 75% or higher must be achieved to successfully complete and pass this test.  Upon passing this test your license will be issued upon the receipt of fees required.  All fees concerning your test, license and renewal are your responsibility.